Winter weather could cause messy conditions today

-Any Georgia Power customers who experience power outages should call toll free (888) 891-0938.
-Forecasters are predicting freezing rain, sleet and snow to hit north Georgia beginning at 3 a.m. today. Counties north of I-20 may receive 1/4" of ice and up to 2 inches of snow in the mountains. GDOT is prepared to treat the roadways beginning with the interstates. Motorists should check the forecast and be prepared to alter travel plans and avoid driving, especially on bridges and overpasses. Visit www.georgia-navigator.com and click on travel alert for updates.
-Any Duke Energy customers who experience power outages should call (800) POWERON.
-The S.C. Department of Transportation opened its call center at 5 a.m. today. The number is toll free (888) 877-9151. Users must dial a "1" before this number. Current road conditions can also be accessed at www.scdot.org.
-The S.C. Emergency Management Division is warning motorists to use extra caution today because dangerous patches of ice might form on roadways and bridges as temperatures drop and frozen precipitation begins to fall.

A winter storm warning is to be in effect for area residents today with temperatures expected to drop into the upper 20s early this morning.

The watch was to begin about 4 a.m. and last into tonight, according to meteorologists. Temperatures are expected to be cool from today through next week. cq

But Friday should bring temperatures into the upper 40s - temperatures that should melt any ice or snow still on the ground, said Harry Gerapetritis, National Weather Service meteorologist.

"I don't anticipate any lingering issues," he said, adding the only issue could be power outages.

The rest of the week should bring temperatures with highs in the 40s and lows in the 20s with no real chance of precipitation.cq

Precipitation moving in early this morning was to bring snow before sunrise today, then change to sleet and freezing rain throughout the day, said Terry Benthall,CQ a meteorologist at The National Weather ServiceCQ station in Greer.

The National Weather Service is predicting a 30 percent chance of snow, although AccuWeatherCQ forecasts say the bulk of the winter weather will be freezing rain.

"It looks like we have a significant chance of icing before it passes," AccuWeather meteorologist David SamuhelCQ said.

Upstate residents could see an inch of accumulation around the Interstate 85 corridor and a half - to a quarter-inch of ice buildup across the area, meteorologists said.

The winter mix brings the potential for power outages from ice build-up, and residents should be prepared for slick road conditions, Mr. Benthall said.

"A little bit of snow doesn't cause too many problems, but you get ice on top of that and four-wheel drive won't even help," he said.

Area power providers were preparing Wednesday for today's possible winter weather. Georgia Power officials said they were watching the weather closely and identifying personnel who could respond.

"Some will relocate close to the area," said Carol Boatright, spokeswoman for Georgia Power.cq

Ms. Boatright said there were also to be personnel put on call to respond.

The American Red Cross was also preparing Wednesday for the possible winter weather. Brian Scoles, public relations director for the Upstate chapter of the American Red Cross,cq said they have reviewed shelter agreements.

"At this point, we haven't activated agreements because the need has not come about," he said Wednesday night.cq

If the weather becomes bad enough, Mr. Scoles said, officials plan to open shelters in areas with the greatest need.cq

High temperatures should reach the mid-30s after 3 p.m. today, and road conditions will likely clear up in the afternoon.

Today's high, expected to be 33 degrees, would be the coldest high temperature for the week. The coldest high temperature in January was 37 degrees, Mr. Samuhel said.